Kirby Smart had time to rustle some feathers following Georgia’s win over Texas in the SEC Championship Game.
Moments after the Bulldogs walked off the Longhorns 22-19 on a Trevor Etienne touchdown run in overtime, ESPN’s Laura Rutledge asked Smart what it meant for his team to secure a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff by virtue of winning the SEC.
“It means rest for a team that Greg Sankey and his staff sent on the road all year long,” Smart replied, taking a shot at the SEC commissioner. “We get to take a little bit of a break and get ready for the College Football Playoff. This team needs some rest mentally, needs a little time off.”
The interesting thing about Smart’s comments is that Sankey was standing literally feet away from him when he made them, and by the looks of the video below, the longtime administrator was not happy.
Kirby Smart throws a dagger directly at SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey.
Greg Sankey wasn’t pleased. I don’t think they’ll be exchanging Christmas cards. pic.twitter.com/Dofkx55nt0
— Brad Logan (@BradLoganCOTE) December 8, 2024
Looking at Georgia’s schedule, the Bulldogs actually only played four true road games all season, with two neutral site contests, one of which, the season opener against Clemson, was played in Atlanta.
Smart clearly is still unhappy about having to face Alabama, Ole Miss and Texas all on the road in the regular season.
Georgia lost to the Crimson Tide and Rebels, but their two wins over Texas, including today, plus a victory over Tennessee and a stirring comeback over Georgia Tech in the regular season finale, were enough to punch a ticket to the playoff.
What Georgia’s lineup will look like in the CFP depends on the severity of Carson Beck’s injury. Beck left today’s game after suffering what Smart called an “upper extremity injury” on the final play of the first half.
Georgia will not play again until Dec. 31 or Jan. 1, so Beck has time to heal. If he can’t go, Gunner Stockton will start in his place.
Stockton played the entire second half and overtime, save for the last play, when Beck had to come in and hand the ball off after Stockton had his helmet knocked off on the previous snap.
Related: Carson Beck’s Injury Could Impact Georgia’s College Football Playoff Chances